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China and Japan's Entertainment Sectors Reflect Economic Struggles Amid 'Japanification' Fears

The article from Variety discusses the economic challenges faced by the entertainment sectors in China and Japan. In China, the film industry is grappling with a significant box office slump, with 2023's total earnings being the lowest in a decade, largely due to a lack of major releases and regulatory crackdowns on content. The government's push for "main melody" films, which promote socialist values, has not resonated well with audiences, leading to a decline in cinema attendance. Meanwhile, Japan's entertainment industry is also facing difficulties, with a notable decrease in cinema attendance and a shift towards streaming platforms. The article highlights how both countries are dealing with economic recovery post-COVID, with Japan also contending with an aging population and a shrinking domestic market, which impacts the viability of traditional entertainment formats. Additionally, both nations are seeing a rise in international content consumption, further challenging local film industries.

Read the Full Variety Article at [ https://variety.com/2024/film/global/china-japan-entertainment-sector-economic-struggles-1236230558/ ]